CN108697158A - Products with electronic devices for storing materials such as tobacco material or tobacco substitute material - Google Patents

Abstract

A product for containing tobacco material or tobacco substitute material includes a body defining a storage environment for containing tobacco material or tobacco substitute material, and an electronic device. The electronic device includes: input means for generating an input signal from an external stimulus; output means for generating an output signal in response to the input signal; wherein at least the output device is arranged on the substrate; and wherein a protective layer is arranged to cover at least the substrate and the output means so as to prevent egress of compounds therefrom to tobacco material or tobacco substitute material within the storage environment. The electronic device comprising a suitably adapted protective layer prevents the compound from exiting the electronic device to the product storage environment for containing the tobacco material, while allowing to receive an external stimulus through the input means and to send an output signal through the output means. Thus, the user can assess the freshness and quality of the tobacco material within the product without any risk or alteration of the properties of the tobacco material by going out of the electronic device to the storage environment.

Description

Electronic devices for storing materials such as tobacco material or tobacco substitute material Prepared products

technical field

The present invention relates to a product with an electronic device for storing material such as tobacco material or tobacco substitute material.

Background technique

Products for storing materials such as tobacco material or tobacco substitute material are well known in the art. Such packages can take many different forms, but typically involve bending or folding, or both, of a flexible material, such as cardboard or plastic, to form the package from one or more sheets of material. It is also known to incorporate into such packages electronic devices typically formed by connecting together prefabricated discrete components such as batteries, CPUs, memory, sensors and displays into circuits. Such packaging may be referred to as a mixed packaging (or container).

One example of the use of electronics in hybrid packaging is the embedding of sensors that can sense one or more parameters related to the storage environment of the packaging. Another example of a hybrid package is a facial tissue container with an internal light source incorporating a printed circuit board connected to multiple LEDs, switches, and a power source that can emit light under various conditions. Another example of a hybrid package is a package for a CD that includes an organic light emitting device (OLED) and a battery to provide an alphanumeric display on the package that can be used to convey information.

However, one of the problems associated with known mixed packaging is that substances originating from the electronic device may egress into the stored product. For example, compounds originating from circuits, power sources, substrates, or any other part of the electronic device may leak, diffuse, detach, or otherwise escape to contact or affect products held within the storage environment. Such processes may have undesired effects on the properties of the product stored within the package, which may be particularly important if the package is for food, tobacco, pharmaceutical or other similar products. With respect to tobacco, an undesired effect on it is a change in TNCO levels (tar, nicotine and CO levels), affecting the taste and smell, or even the visual appearance of the stored product.

One way of preventing egress of such electronic device-derived compounds to the storage environment is to introduce a protective layer arranged to substantially cover the electronic device to seal the electronic device from the storage environment. However, where the electronic device is a sensor that needs to receive external stimuli, this protective layer has the potential to block any such external stimulus, preventing it from reaching the electronic device with sufficient strength to allow the electronic device to function effectively.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a product for containing materials, wherein the product incorporates an electronic device, that includes a device for substantially blocking egress of material originating from the electronic device to a storage environment while allowing external signals to be received and output to be sent through the electronic device. Signal device.

Contents of the invention

The present invention seeks to provide a product for containing tobacco material or tobacco substitute material comprising an electronic device covered by a protective layer arranged to substantially prevent escape of compounds from the electronic device into a storage environment while being suitable for Allows electronic devices to receive external stimuli and send output signals.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a product for containing tobacco material or tobacco substitute material comprising a body defining a storage environment for containing tobacco material or tobacco substitute material, and an electronic device. An electronic device has input means for generating an input signal from an external stimulus and output means for generating an output signal in response to the input signal, wherein at least the output means is arranged on a substrate. The protective layer is arranged to cover at least the substrate and the output means to prevent egress of compounds therefrom to the tobacco material or tobacco substitute material within the storage environment and to allow transmission of the output signal. The input device includes at least one of a wireless signal receiver and a sensor.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a product for containing tobacco material or tobacco substitute material, the product comprising a body defining a storage environment for containing tobacco material or tobacco substitute material, and an electronic device. The electronic device has: a power supply; input means for generating an input signal from an external stimulus; output means for generating an output signal; for processing the input signal and delivering a command signal to the output based at least in part on the processing of the input signal digital processing means of the device; and circuitry connected to the power supply, input means, output means, and digital processing means. At least a power supply, input means, output means, digital processing means and circuitry are arranged on the substrate. The protective layer is arranged to cover at least the substrate, power supply, output means, digital processing means and circuitry to prevent egress of compounds therefrom to the tobacco material or tobacco substitute material within the storage environment and to allow transmission of output signals.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a product for containing tobacco material or tobacco substitute material, the product comprising a body defining a storage environment for containing tobacco material or tobacco substitute material, and an electronic device. The electronic device has: a power supply; input means for generating an input signal from an external stimulus; output means for generating an output signal; for processing the input signal and delivering a command signal to the output based at least in part on the processing of the input signal digital processing means of the device; and circuitry connected to the power supply, input means, output means, and digital processing means. At least a power supply, input means, output means, digital processing means and circuitry are arranged on the substrate. The protective layer is arranged to cover at least the substrate, power supply, output means, digital processing means and circuitry to prevent egress of compounds therefrom to the tobacco material or tobacco substitute material within the storage environment and to allow transmission of output signals. A barrier layer is arranged to cover the input device to prevent egress of compounds therefrom to the tobacco material or tobacco substitute material within the storage environment, the barrier layer being adapted to allow interaction of the input device with an external stimulus to generate an input signal.

A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a product for containing tobacco material or tobacco substitute material, the product comprising a body defining a storage environment for containing tobacco material or tobacco substitute material, and an electronic device. The electronic device has: a power supply; input means for generating an input signal from an external stimulus; output means for generating an output signal; for processing the input signal and delivering a command signal to the output based at least in part on the processing of the input signal digital processing means of the device; and circuitry connected to the power supply, input means, output means, and digital processing means. At least a power supply, input means, output means, digital processing means and circuitry are arranged on the substrate. The protective layer is arranged to cover at least the substrate, power supply, output means, digital processing means and circuitry to prevent egress of compounds therefrom to the tobacco material or tobacco substitute material within the storage environment and to allow transmission of output signals. The barrier layer is arranged to cover the input device so as to prevent egress of compounds therefrom to the tobacco material or tobacco substitute material within the storage environment and to allow interaction of the input device with an external stimulus to generate an input signal, wherein the barrier layer comprises at least one cut or opening .

Description of drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 schematically illustrates an electronic device for use in a product for containing tobacco material according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary product for containing tobacco material according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 schematically illustrates an alternative product for containing tobacco material according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4A schematically illustrates an alternative electronic device for use in a product for containing tobacco material according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4B schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of Figure 4A in a non-operating state; and

Figure 4C schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of Figure 4A in an operational state.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates an alternative electronic device for use in a product for containing tobacco material according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative electronic device for use in a product for containing tobacco material according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7A schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of another alternative electronic device and a film sleeve as a protective layer encapsulating parts of the device.

Figure 7B schematically illustrates a front view of the electronic device of Figure 7A.

Detailed ways

In the following description and in the accompanying drawings, certain embodiments of the invention are described. It will be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments and that some embodiments may not include all of the features described below. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes can be made therein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Figure 1 schematically illustrates an electronic device 100 for use in a product for containing tobacco material or tobacco substitute material according to an embodiment of the invention. The integrated electronic device 100 includes an input device 120 and an output device 130 . In this example, both the input device 120 and the output device 130 are arranged on the substrate 160 , and the protective layer 400 is arranged to completely cover the substrate 160 instead of a certain area 410 corresponding to the position of the input device 120 . In this example, the electronic device 100 also includes a digital processing means 140 and a circuit 150 arranged on a substrate and covered by a protective layer. A circuit 150 is arranged to connect the power supply 110, the input means 120, the output means 130 and the digital processing means 140 together. Electrical power or signals may be transferred (or communicated) between power source 110 , input device 120 , output device 130 , digital processing device 140 , or both via circuit 150 . The circuit 150 may be formed by printing silver tracks on the substrate 160 connecting the components. The input device 120 may be disposed on a substrate together with other components, or alternatively be separately disposed and operatively connected to the remaining components through a circuit.

The power source 110 , the input device 120 , the output device 130 , the digital processing device 140 and the circuit 150 may be formed by being printed on a substantially flexible substrate 160 . That is, each of these components of integrated electronic device 100 may be formed as part of a printing process onto a surface (substrate 160 ), which may be substantially flexible. Substrate 160 may be flexible to the extent that it may deform to conform to the shape of another object, such as a package into which integrated electronic device 100 will be placed or built as discussed further below. The substrate 160 may be constructed in sheet form from a synthetic or natural material or both, preferably polyethylene terephthalate or PET. Substrate 160 may comprise a laminate layered on top of another material. Substrate 160 may include fold lines or crease lines or both to allow integrated electronic device 100 to be folded to form a three-dimensional object (such as the package discussed below).

Alternatively, substrate 160 may be a rigid PCB with electronic components soldered to a location or structure that supports an RFID tag.

The power supply 110 provides electric power for the integrated electronic device 100 . The power source 110 may comprise any of the following: a battery; an energy harvesting device; or an electromagnetic charging device or any combination thereof. As an example, the integrated electronic device 100 may include a battery and energy harvesting means and/or electromagnetic charging means, whereby the energy harvesting means and/or electromagnetic charging means may be used to charge the battery. In such an arrangement, energy obtained by the energy harvesting means and/or electromagnetic charging means, which is excess to the current demands of the integrated electronic device 100, can be stored in the battery for later use. Preferably, the integrated electronic device 100 includes at least a battery, which is preferably formed by a printing process. However, it will be appreciated that this need not be the case.

The input device 120 is arranged to generate an input signal from an external stimulus 170 . Preferably, the input device 120 comprises a sensor arranged to generate an input signal proportional to a sensed environmental parameter. Preferably, such sensors include one or more of the following types of sensors: humidity sensors; light sensors; motion sensors; temperature sensors; However, it will be understood that any other kind of sensor may be used as the input device 120 . There are many different ways in which a sensor can operate to generate an input signal (which is an output signal from the sensor) in response to an environmental parameter.

Other forms of input device 120 may be used instead of sensors. Alternatively, the input device 120 may comprise a wireless signal receiver arranged to generate an input signal based on transmissions received from a wireless signal transmitter. For example, the wireless signal transmitter may be arranged to transmit one or more measurements of sensed environmental parameters from one or more sensors local to the transmitter, and the wireless signal receiver on the integrated electronic device 100 An input signal may be generated corresponding to the one or more measurements in response to receiving the transmitted signal. However, the transmitted signal may be of any form and does not necessarily need to correspond to a sensed environmental parameter.

The input device 120 may include sensors and wireless signal receivers. For example, the sensor may be arranged to generate an input signal that is proportional to a first set of sensed environmental parameters, and the wireless signal receiver may be arranged to, based on a response to a second set of sensed environmental parameters (from one or more one or more measurements from one or more sensors) to generate an input signal in response to receiving a transmitted signal from a wireless signal transmitter local to one or more sensors.

Alternatively, the sensor may be arranged to generate an input signal proportional to a sensed environmental parameter, and the wireless signal receiver may be arranged to, based on the same set of sensed environmental parameters (from one or more one or more measurements from one or more sensors) to generate an input signal in response to receiving a transmitted signal from a wireless signal transmitter local to one or more sensors. Redundancy of measurement results thus ensures that key parameters are measured with greater dependence. If the sensors are located in a first environment (such as the interior of a container), and one or more sensors are located in a second, different environment (such as the surrounding environment of the container), an electronic device 100 can be utilized to measure parameter gradients, for such The design of the device provides greater flexibility.

The output device 130 is arranged to generate an output signal 180 . Preferably, the output device 130 includes at least one of a display, a light emitting device, a sound generator and/or a wireless signal transmitter.

Where output device 130 comprises a display, the display may be arranged to display one or more characters, numbers or symbols, or any combination thereof, or may be arranged to display graphical output (which may include characters, numbers or symbols, or graphical representation of any combination thereof). The display may be a printed electrochromic display.

In case the output device 130 comprises a light emitting device, the light emitting device may be arranged to provide the output signal 180 by the brightness of the emitted light. As an example, the light emitting device may emit light as a first output signal and not emit light or flash periodically as a second output signal. Alternatively or additionally, the light emitting means may be arranged to provide the output signal 180 by the color of the emitted light. As an example, the color of emitted light may be set to a first color (eg, red) as a first output signal, and may be set to a second color (eg, blue) as a second output signal. The light emitting device may comprise LEDs.

Where the output device 130 comprises a sound generator, the sound generator may be arranged to provide the output signal 180 by varying the volume, pitch or both of the generated sound. The output signal 180 may be present (or absent) from the sound generator. As an example, the sound generator may emit sound as the first output signal and not emit sound as the second output signal. Alternatively or additionally, more subtle changes in volume, pitch, or both of sounds may be used to provide two or more output signals. As an example, as a first output signal, the sound generator may sound at a first pitch, and as a second output signal, the sound generator may sound at a second pitch.

Where the output device 130 comprises a wireless signal transmitter, the wireless signal transmitter may be arranged to provide the output signal 180 by transmitting a wireless signal. The output signal 180 may be conveyed by the presence (or absence) of a wireless signal from a wireless signal transmitter. As an example, a wireless signal transmitter may transmit a wireless signal as a first output signal and not transmit a wireless signal as a second output signal. Alternatively or additionally, the wireless signal transmitter may be arranged to transmit data via wireless signals. As an example, the wireless signal transmitter may be arranged to encode onto a wireless signal data representative of a sensed environmental parameter provided as an input signal by the input means 120 of the integrated electronic device 100 .

The digital processing means 140 may be arranged to process input signals from the input means 120 and to deliver (or generate) command signals to the output means 130 based at least in part on the input signals. The command signal provided to the output device 130 causes the output device 130 to generate an output signal (or indication) 180 based on the command signal. The command signal generated by the digital processing device 140 may be based at least in part on the input signal. Where the input signal represents a sensed environmental parameter, the digital processing means 140 may generate a command signal that causes the output means 130 to provide an output signal 180 representing the magnitude of the sensed environmental parameter. As an example, where the output device 130 includes a display, the command signal may cause the display to display a numerical value indicative of the magnitude of the sensed environmental parameter. For example, if the input signal corresponds to a sensed ambient temperature of 37°C, the command signal may cause the display to display "37°C". However, the digital processing means 140 may perform additional processing on the input signal, eg, apply a threshold to the input signal and display a corresponding output signal 180 . Digital processing device 140 may determine whether a sensed value (e.g., temperature) is above or below a certain threshold and may generate a command signal that causes output device 130 to provide a corresponding output signal 180, such as if the temperature is above or below threshold, causing the light-emitting device to emit light (and vice versa). Alternatively, the digital processing device 140 may determine whether the sensed value is within a certain range and may generate a command signal causing the output device 130 to provide a corresponding output signal 180 . A plurality of thresholds or ranges may be evaluated by digital processing means 140, wherein the generated command signal causes output means 130 to provide an output signal 180 indicating which threshold or range the sensed value lies within, such as depending on the sensed Specific ranges or thresholds of values lie within which cause the light emitting device to emit light of different colors. As an example, if the input signal corresponds to a sensed ambient temperature, the digital processing device 140 may determine whether the sensed temperature falls within a given range of values (eg, between 20°C and 30°C), or If the value does not fall within the range, then a determination is made as to whether the value is below the threshold at the lower end of the range (ie, less than 20°C) or above the threshold at the higher end of the range (ie, greater than 30°C). If, in this example, the sensed temperature is indeed within a given range, the digital processing means 140 may generate a command signal that causes the display to display the text "OK" as output signal 180, whereas if the sensed temperature is below or Above the corresponding limit of the given range, the command signal generated by the digital processing means 140 may cause the display to show "TOO COLD" or "TOO HOT" as output signal 180 accordingly.

The digital processing means may include memory 190 and may store data derived from (or based on) the input signal in memory 190 as part of its processing. The command signal generated by the digital processing device 140 may be based at least in part on stored data derived from one or more previous input signals. Processing performed by digital processing means 140 may be used to determine whether a particular condition has been triggered at any point during a previous period of time, such as the previous hour, week, or even lifetime of integrated electronic device 100 . The command signal generated by the digital processing means 140 may then cause the output means 130 to provide an appropriate indication of whether the condition has been triggered within that time period. It will be appreciated that the data stored in memory 190 derived from the input signal may take many forms, depending on the desired subsequent processing. As an example, where the input signal corresponds to sensed ambient temperatures, a value corresponding to each sensed ambient temperature may be stored in memory 190 . Alternatively, a flag may be set in the memory 190 to indicate whether the sensed ambient temperature has ever reached a given condition. Similarly, a counter may be maintained in memory 190 to indicate the number of times a given condition has been met. It will be appreciated that any suitable data derived from input signals may be stored in memory 190 to allow future processing by digital processing means 140 to generate command signals based at least in part on previous input signals. As an example, where the input signal is a sensed ambient temperature, the memory 190 may store data representing previously sensed temperature values. The digital processing device 140 may then determine based on the data in the memory 190 whether the sensed temperature has ever exceeded a certain threshold (eg, greater than 30° C.) or has been within a certain range of values (eg, between 20° C. and 30° C. room) outside. The digital processing means 140 may then generate a command signal that causes the output means 130 (such as a red LED) to provide an output signal 180 that indicates whether the condition has been triggered, such as if the condition has been triggered and not otherwise. A red LED emits light.

Memory 190 may also or alternatively store other data not directly derived from the input signal. Processing performed by digital processing device 140 may also or alternatively be based on such other stored data. For example, values for the particular thresholds or ranges discussed above (or even any other configuration type values) may be stored in memory 190 . Of course, such a threshold or range may be provided to the integrated electronic device 100 by a suitable external stimulus 170 which causes the input device 120 to generate an input signal representative of the threshold or range, which is then stored by the digital processing device 140 in the memory 190 . In this case, the input device 120 may respond to more than one type of external stimulus 170 to generate different input signals for both control (or setting or configuration) values and values related to sensed environmental parameters, And the digital processing device 140 may perform different processing on each type of input signal.

Integrated electronic device 100 may include switch 600 (shown in FIG. 5 ) in order to improve the energy efficiency of device 100 . Switch 600 may be used to reduce the amount of processing performed by digital processing device 140 when such processing is not required. The switch may include an on-off switch 600 for switching between a powered state of the integrated electronic device 100 (i.e., where it is using electrical power from the power supply 110) and an unpowered state of the integrated electronic device 100 (i.e., where it is not using The electric power from the power supply 110) is switched (toggle). The switch may include a push switch 610 which, when pushed, causes the integrated electronic device 100 to generate the output signal 180 . Accordingly, integrated electronic device 100 need not continuously generate output signal 180, thereby reducing its power requirements. Similarly, if digital processing apparatus 100 only requires processing to be performed in order to cause output signal 180 to be generated, or less processing can be performed if output signal 180 is not required, then the output can be caused to be generated by performing only Signal 190 needs to be processed to achieve a further reduction in power requirements.

The protective layer 400 is used to cover the integrated electronic device 100 to prevent substances or compounds originating from the electronic device 100 from going out into the storage environment. Many products, such as tobacco materials or tobacco substitute materials, may be sensitive to changes in some of their properties via compounds (derived from the materials of the various components of the electronic device 100 to the storage environment). Compounds originating from electronic device 100 can exit the storage environment in a number of different ways. For example, gaseous substances may diffuse from the materials of the electronic device 100 into products contained within the storage environment, liquid substances or compounds may leak into the storage environment, and solid particles may separate from the electronic device 100 and transfer to the storage environment. Such compounds may enter, adhere to, or otherwise affect products contained in the storage environment.

Examples of specific compounds that can go out to the storage environment and affect the properties of the product in the storage environment include volatile compounds (particularly volatile organic compounds) and metal oxides.

Protective layer 400 may be adapted to substantially prevent egress of these compounds into the storage environment. Suitable protective layers 400 that provide this protective function include laminated film materials or varnishes. Preferably, the laminated film material is selected from natural polymers, synthetic polymers, paper products and metal foils. Since the protective layer 400 may come into contact with products such as tobacco material, the material of the protective layer 400 must be suitable for contacting the stored product. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B , the protective layer may be a thin film sleeve arranged to encapsulate the device 100 .

In addition to preventing egress of compounds from the electronic device 100 into the storage environment, the protective layer 400 must be adapted to allow interaction of the input device 120 with the external stimulus 170 . In FIG. 1 , there is a window 410 in the protective layer 400 corresponding to the position of the input device 120 on the substrate 160 . In examples where the material of the input device 120 is adapted to contact stored products, the window 410 may simply be an opening in the protective layer 400 so that external stimuli such as light, humidity, air, or heat can pass through to reach the input device 120 , so that the corresponding input signal can be generated. Alternatively, the window 410 may include a barrier layer 500, which may be continuous with the protective layer 410 (as shown in FIG. 6 ), the barrier layer 500 being adapted to substantially prevent the escape of compounds from the electronic device 100 while allowing external stimuli to reach the underlying input. device 120.

An example of such a barrier layer 500 is a selective barrier positioned on top of the input device 120 . Selective barriers can be adapted to allow passage of air but prevent passage of certain selected compounds. Such a selective barrier may be a breathable barrier, allowing air to pass from the storage environment to the input device 120 so that, for example, humidity can be sensed but prevent certain compounds from passing from the electronic device 100 into the storage environment to affect the product therein. Alternatively, a selective barrier may allow a certain range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation (eg, visible light) to pass through, but prevent such egress by blocking certain compounds.

Suitable barrier layers 500 include laminated film materials or varnishes, wherein preferably the laminated film material is selected from natural polymers, synthetic polymers, paper products and metal foils. Since the barrier layer 500 may come into contact with products such as tobacco material, the material of the barrier layer 500 must be suitable for contacting the stored product.

Fig. 4A schematically illustrates another example of an electronic device 100 integrated in a product for containing tobacco material or tobacco substitute material according to the present invention. In this example, the protective layer 400 covers the entire substrate 160 including the input device 120 . Additionally, there are one or more narrow elongated cuts or slits 420 within the protective layer 400 positioned in the portion of the protective layer 400 that is on the input device 120 . In the specific example illustrated in FIG. 4A , two slots are arranged to form a crossing arrangement centered on the input device 120 , which defines four insertion tabs (tabs) 421 .

The slots 420 are configured such that in the non-operative state, each tab 421 lies flat against the input device 120 and abuts adjacent tabs 421 such that the protective layer 400 is substantially continuous over the underlying input device 120 . FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-section of the exemplary electronic device 100 of FIG. 4A in a non-operating state. This figure illustrates how the tabs 421 are located on the input device 120 where they meet each other centrally to define a barrier to enclose the input device 120 below the protective layer 400 . Slot 420 and corresponding insertion tab 421 are arranged such that they form a sufficiently tightly sealed enclosure to substantially prevent escape of certain compounds originating from electronic device 100 into the storage environment. In other words, in some previous embodiments, a portion of protective layer 400 was used as barrier layer 500 .

Instead of, or in addition to, slits 420 , protective layer 400 may include narrow openings, such as microperforations, positioned in portions of protective layer 400 that overlie input device 120 . In the non-operating state, the narrow opening is arranged so as to form a sufficiently tightly sealed enclosure to substantially prevent escape of certain compounds originating from the electronic device 100 to the storage environment. In other words, in the non-operating state, the narrow opening is configured such that the protective layer 400 is substantially continuous over the underlying input device 120 .

Since the input device 120 of the electronic device 100 of FIG. 4 is substantially covered by the protective layer 400 in a non-operating state, the passage of the external stimulus 170 may be significantly blocked, so that the input device 120 cannot effectively receive the external stimulus 170 . Therefore, the electronic device 100 may further include an activation device 430 to switch the electronic device 100 to an operating state where the external stimulus 170 can be received by the input device 120 , as illustrated in FIG. 4C . In an operational state, slit 420 is selectively widened to expose input device 120 to external stimulus 170 . In the example of FIG. 4C , the widening of the slit 421 is provided by beveling the insertion tabs 421 outward such that they separate to define an opening 422 through which the external stimulus 170 can be received by the input device 120 .

Similarly, the narrow opening may be selectively widened by activating device 430 to expose input device 120 to external stimulus 170 . The narrow opening may be frusto-conical, with a smaller diameter positioned facing the input device 120 and a larger diameter positioned outwardly facing the input device 120 . This particular configuration is advantageous because it requires little widening to achieve the desired exposure to the input device 120 .

The activation device 430 can be provided in a number of different ways. In the example of FIG. 4C the activation means is provided by a substantially flexible region 431 of the substrate 160 . In this case, a force 432 may be applied in one direction from the underside of the flexible region of the substrate 160 to deform the deformable or flexible region 431 of the substrate 160 so that the insertion tab 421 tilts and opens and the input Device 120 is exposed to external stimulus 170 . The activation means 430 may alternatively be provided by a piezoelectric element configured to move under an applied electric field in order to open the insertion tab 421 on demand. It will also be understood that the activation means may be any electrical, physical, mechanical or other process by which the input device 120 may be exposed from within the protective layer 400 to receive the external stimulus 170 . Activation device 430 may be actuated by a user-actuatable switch such that input device 120 may be selectively exposed to external stimulus 170 for a predefined period of time. The deformable region 431 of the substrate and the protective layer 120 may be made of an elastic or viscoelastic material which slowly relaxes back to its equilibrium position such that the input device 120 is in a predefined time of sufficient duration for the external stimulus to be received Exposure to external stimuli within the segment. This also ensures that the user does not have to keep actuating the switch continuously while the input device 120 is receiving an external stimulus, but can simply actuate the switch once, after which after a certain period of time the tab 421 will close.

It will be noted that the narrow cutout or opening may be sized to substantially prevent certain compounds originating from the electronic device 100 from escaping to the storage environment, while allowing interaction of the input device 120 with the external stimulus 170 .

Furthermore, in order to prevent egress of compounds from the electronic device 100 into the storage environment and to allow interaction of the input device 120 with the external stimulus 170 , the protective layer 400 must be adapted to allow transmission of the output signal 180 generated by the output device 130 . To this end, at least a portion of the protective layer 400 overlying the output device 130 may allow passage of electromagnetic radiation of a certain wavelength range (eg, visible light), or may be adapted to transmit acoustic signals, such as those generated by a sound generator.

An integrated electronic device 100 as described above has a number of benefits arising from the fact that components can be printed and substrate 160 can be substantially flexible. These properties make the integrated electronic device 100 suitable for use in the field of product packaging, especially for tobacco products. Many products, including tobacco products, have storage requirements that must be met in order to keep the product in optimal condition or to ensure an optimal lifespan. Deviation from these storage requirements may result in product degradation. However, the logistics involved in the delivery of goods from the point of manufacture or packaging to the end consumer are typically very complex, which means that it is difficult to ensure or monitor whether storage requirements for a particular product are maintained throughout the supply chain. Furthermore, even after the product is supplied to the end user, it may be desirable to continue to monitor the storage conditions of the product to allow the end user to periodically check whether the product is still in optimal condition or has degraded or expired, possibly due to the environment in which the product was stored. Additionally, even where it is possible to monitor the storage environment of packaged products, it is typically only practical to do so on a macroscopic scale. In other words, only monitor the overall environment of the storage room or warehouse where packaged products are stored. The actual environmental conditions experienced by each individual packaged product may be different due to variations within a storage room or warehouse, which may, for example, have localized hot or humid areas that are hotter or humid than elsewhere in the storage area. The nature of the integrated electronic device 100 as described above allows the integrated electronic device 100 to be integrated into or supplied with the product packaging of each product, thereby allowing the integrated electronic device 100 to be purchased by the end user through the supply chain and through subsequent storage of the product. The storage environment for each product is monitored and reported at all points. In particular, the invention can be considered with regard to containers for storing tobacco. One of the common forms of supplying tobacco products to end users is in loose form which allows end users to create their own smoking articles (eg "roll your own cigarettes"). Tobacco in this loose form is typically served in large containers that contain enough tobacco to allow for relatively long periods of use. Exposure of tobacco to atmospheric moisture may degrade the tobacco product. Therefore, it is desirable to allow users to monitor the storage conditions of tobacco products to allow them to correct any incorrect storage of tobacco products and/or to assess whether the quality of the tobacco is still at an acceptable (or optimal) level. While the following description focuses on monitoring tobacco exposure to atmospheric moisture using an exemplary integrated electronic device 100 to be used with a tobacco container storing loose tobacco, it will be appreciated that such an integrated electronic device 100 may be used with any type of Used with any kind of container for the product to monitor the product's exposure to atmospheric moisture. Similarly, it will be appreciated that the integrated electronic device 100 may be adapted to monitor product exposure to other kinds of conditions, such as temperature or sunlight.

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a package (or container) 200 for storing tobacco. Package 200 includes a body 210, a seal 220, a label (or label or insert) 230, and an optional cover (not shown).

As part of the manufacturing or packaging process, sealing strip 220 is sealed to body 210 to isolate the product within package 200, thereby preventing access to the product and helping to provide protection from the environment until sealing strip 220 is removed. To gain access to the product for the first time, the user must unseal (or break) the sealing strip 220 . It will be appreciated that it is not strictly necessary for the package 200 to have a sealing strip 220 , although most packages will use the sealing strip 220 . As an example, package 200 may simply include a lid to protect or retain the product inside the package. Preferably, the sealing strip 220 is made of aluminum foil.

Tag 230 includes integrated electronics 100 for monitoring exposure to moisture or humidity in the immediate vicinity of tag 230 . Preferably, the label 230 is made of plastic, such as PET, which may also form the substrate 160 on which the integrated electronic device 100 is formed. Preferably, the tag 230 is about the size of a typical credit card (ie, about 8.9 cm by 3.8 cm (or 3.5 inches by 1.5 inches)) so as to allow for easy manufacturing, packaging and handling of the tag 230 . However, the tag 230 may be of any size as long as it is large enough to accommodate the integrated electronic device 100 . In use, the tag 230 is placed within the tobacco stored in the body 210 of the package 200, enabling the integrated electronics 100 to measure the immediate environment of the stored tobacco. The label 230 may be provided with the package 200 already placed in the stored tobacco. In other words, the label 230 may be placed in the tobacco during the manufacturing or packaging process before the sealing strip 220 is sealed to the container body 210 . Alternatively, as illustrated, the label 230 may be placed on top of the sealing strip 220 under the lid, in which case the user may be required to place the label 230 in the stored tobacco once the sealing strip 220 is unsealed .

The power source 110 of the integrated electronic device 100 preferably includes a battery capable of storing sufficient electrical energy to power the integrated electronic device 100 for approximately 1 year.

The input device 120 of the integrated electronic device 100 includes a humidity sensor. The humidity sensor generates an input signal indicative of the relative humidity of the environment based on an external stimulus 170 of moisture in the immediate environment of the humidity sensor. Preferably, the humidity sensor has a range of approximately 12% relative humidity with a sensitivity of 1% relative humidity in either direction at room temperature.

The output device 130 of the integrated electronic device 100 preferably includes a display through which a visual output signal 180 can be provided.

As before, the digital processing means 140 of the integrated electronic device 100 is arranged to process the input signal from the humidity sensor and deliver command signals to the display to cause the display to generate the output signal 180 . The digital processing means 140 are arranged to generate command signals which cause the display to provide a digital indication of the sensed relative humidity value as a percentage. As mentioned above, the digital processing means 140 of the integrated electronic device 100 may include a memory 190, wherein the digital processing means 140 may store data based on previous input signals to allow the digital processing means 140 to determine whether the sensed relative humidity has ever exceeded a certain threshold. threshold. If the digital processing device 140 determines that a threshold level of relative humidity has been previously exceeded, the digital processing device 140 may generate a command signal that causes the display (for example, by displaying the text "TOO HUMID") to indicate this to the user. Happening.

As mentioned above, the integrated electronic device 100 may include the on-off switch 600 . Accordingly, the integrated electronic device 100 may be configured to be in a powered-off state during manufacture or packaging such that electrical power from the power source 110 is conserved. Accordingly, the integrated electronic device 100 may require activation by toggling the on-off switch 600 so that the integrated electronic device 100 is powered before the integrated electronic device 100 can monitor the packaging environment. Activation of the integrated electronics 100 may occur during the manufacturing or packaging process, for example, a label 230 may be placed in the stored tobacco and the integrated electronics 100 activated before the sealing strip 220 is sealed. In this case, environmental conditions throughout the supply chain can be monitored and reported. Alternatively, activation of the label 230 may be performed by the end user upon opening the product. As an example, label 230 may be placed on top of sealing strip 220 during packaging, wherein integrated electronic device 100 is in an unpowered (or off) state. Upon opening the package 200 and breaking the seal 220, the user can place the label 230 in the tobacco and toggle the switch to cause the integrated electronics 100 to be powered so that the package's storage environment can be monitored and reported while the user is tending the package 200. This allows for maximizing the useful life of the integrated electronic device 100 during care of the package 200 by the user. The output device 130 of the integrated electronic device 100 may also be configured to provide an additional output signal 180 to indicate whether the device has been activated. As an example, output device 130 may include a light emitting device (or additional light emitting device) configured to emit light if the device has been activated, but not otherwise.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates an alternative exemplary package (or container) 300 for storing tobacco. The example package 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 is similar to the example package illustrated in FIG. 2 . In a manner similar to the exemplary package 200 illustrated in FIG. 2, the exemplary package 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a body 210, a sealing strip 220, and an optional lid (not shown). However, instead of a separate label 230 on which the integrated electronic device 100 has been formed, the integrated electronic device 100 of the exemplary package 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 has been formed as part of the wall of the main body 210 of the package 300 . Of course the integrated electronics 100 may be formed by printing its components directly on the material used to form the walls of the body 210 of the package 300 if the material forming the body walls such as plastic (eg PET) is suitable for use as the substrate 160 . Where the material forming the body wall is not suitable for use as the substrate 160 , the portion (or region) on which the body wall of the integrated electronic device 100 is to be formed may be laminated with a material suitable for use as the substrate 160 . Alternatively, the integrated electronics 100 may be formed on a separate piece of material in a manner similar to that used to create the label 230 of the exemplary package 200 illustrated in FIG. The integrated electronic device 100 is then adhered to the wall of the main body 210 of the package 300 . As noted above, the integrated electronic device 100 is arranged for use in the exemplary package 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 . It will be noted that instead of integrally forming the integrated electronics 100 with the walls of the body 210 of the package 300 , the integrated electronics 100 may be integrally formed with the lid of the package 300 or as part of the sealing strip 220 .

By providing integrated electronics 100 as part of a product package for storing tobacco, a user can assess the freshness and quality of the tobacco, and can determine if the package has been stored outside of preconfigured humidity conditions. Furthermore, the provision of a suitably adapted protective layer prevents egress of the compound from the electronic device 100 to the product storage environment used to contain the tobacco material, while allowing external stimuli 170 to be received through the input device 120 and output signals 180 to be sent through the output device 130 .

Claims (25)

1. a kind of for accommodating tobacco-containing material or the product of tobacco substitute material, the product includes defining for accommodating tobacco The main body and electronic equipment of the storage environment of material or tobacco substitute material, have:

Input unit, for generating input signal from outside stimulus;

Output device, for generating output signal in response to the input signal;

Wherein at least output device is disposed on substrate;And

Wherein arrangement protective layer is outgoing from its compound to prevent at least to cover the substrate and the output device Tobacco-containing material or tobacco substitute material in storage environment simultaneously allow to send the output signal, and the wherein described input dress It sets including at least one of wireless signal receiver and sensor.

2. product according to claim 1 further includes barrier layer, the barrier layer is arranged to cover the input dress It sets, to prevent the compound from it from going out to the tobacco-containing material or tobacco substitute material in the storage environment, the screen Barrier layer is adapted to allow for the interaction of the input unit and outside stimulus to generate input signal.

3. product according to claim 2, wherein the barrier layer includes at least one notch or opening.

4. product according to claim 3, wherein the barrier layer includes deformable region, the product further includes activation Device, the activation device are suitable for causing the deformation of the deformable region, so as to described at least one cut that selectively broaden Mouth or opening are so that the input unit is directly exposed to outside stimulus within the predefined period, and otherwise notch or opening are protected Closing is held to prevent the input unit to be directly exposed to the storage environment.

5. product according to claim 4, wherein the activation device is the substantial flexible region and pressure of the substrate At least one of electric device.

6. product according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the activation device includes the activatable switch of user.

7. product according to claim 2, wherein the barrier layer is selective barrier.

8. product according to claim 7, wherein the selective barrier is configured as that air is allowed to pass through.

9. product according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the selective barrier is configured as preventing the compound of selection logical It crosses the selective barrier and enters the storage environment.

10. the product according to any one of claim 7 to 9, wherein the selective barrier is configured as allowing in advance The electromagnetic radiation of determining frequency range passes through.

11. the product according to any one of claim 2 to 10, wherein the barrier layer be the protective layer part, The protective layer is integrally formed or is attached to the protective layer.

12. according to the product described in any preceding claims, wherein at least one of the protective layer and the barrier layer It is made of printable material.

13. according to the product described in any preceding claims, wherein the input unit is arranged on the substrate.

14. according to the product described in any preceding claims, wherein the substrate is substantially flexible.

15. according to the product described in any preceding claims, wherein the electronic equipment is integrated electronics.

16. according to the product described in any preceding claims, wherein in the input unit and the output device at least One is printed on the substrate.

17. according to the product described in any preceding claims, wherein at least one of the protective layer and the barrier layer It is laminated.

18. the product according to any one of claim 1 to 16, wherein in the protective layer and the barrier layer at least One is varnish.

19. the product according to any one of claim 1 to 16, wherein the protective layer is membrane casing material, it is described Membrane casing material is arranged at least described substrate and the output device being packaged.

20. according to the product described in any preceding claims, wherein the electronic equipment further includes:

Power supply;

Digital processing unit, for handling the input signal and being based at least partially on the processing to the input signal Command signal is delivered to the output device;And

Connect the circuit of the power supply, the input unit, the output device and the digital processing unit;

The wherein at least described power supply, the output device, the digital processing unit and the circuit are disposed in the base On plate;And

The wherein described protective layer is arranged at least cover the substrate, the power supply, the output device, the digital processing Device and the circuit, so as to prevent the compound from it go out in the storage environment tobacco-containing material or tobacco replace For material and allow to send the output signal.

21. product according to claim 20, wherein the power supply, the input unit, the output device and institute It is printed on the substrate to state at least one of digital processing unit.

22. the product according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the protective layer is membrane casing material, be arranged to Substrate described in major general, the power supply, the output device, the digital processing unit and the circuit are packaged.

23. a kind of for accommodating tobacco-containing material or the product of tobacco substitute material, including restriction for accommodating tobacco-containing material or cigarette The main body and electronic equipment of the storage environment of careless alternative materials, have:

Power supply;

Input unit, for generating input signal from outside stimulus;

Output device, for generating output signal;

Digital processing unit, for handling the input signal and being based at least partially on the processing to the input signal Command signal is delivered to the output device;And

Connect the circuit of the power supply, the input unit, the output device and the digital processing unit;

The wherein at least described power supply, the input unit, the output device, the digital processing unit and the circuit quilt Arrangement is on the substrate;And

Wherein arrangement protective layer at least cover the substrate, the power supply, the output device, the digital processing unit with And the circuit, to prevent the compound from it from going out to the tobacco-containing material or tobacco substitute material in the storage environment And allow to send the output signal.

24. a kind of for accommodating tobacco-containing material or the product of tobacco substitute material, including restriction for accommodating tobacco-containing material or cigarette The main body and electronic equipment of the storage environment of careless alternative materials, have:

Power supply;

Input unit, for generating input signal from outside stimulus;

Output device, for generating output signal;

Digital processing unit, for handling the input signal and being based at least partially on the processing to the input signal Command signal is delivered to the output device;And

Connect the circuit of the power supply, the input unit, the output device and the digital processing unit;

The wherein at least described power supply, the input unit, the output device, the digital processing unit and the circuit quilt It is arranged on substrate;And

Wherein arrangement protective layer at least cover the substrate, the power supply, the output device, the digital processing unit with And the circuit, to prevent the compound from it from going out to the tobacco-containing material or tobacco substitute material in the storage environment And allow to send the output signal;And

Wherein arrangement barrier layer is to cover the input unit, to prevent the compound from it from going out to the storage environment Interior tobacco-containing material or tobacco substitute material, the barrier layer are adapted to allow for the mutual of the input unit and the outside stimulus Effect is to generate the input signal.

25. a kind of for accommodating tobacco-containing material or the product of tobacco substitute material, including restriction for accommodating tobacco-containing material or cigarette The main body and electronic equipment of the storage environment of careless alternative materials, have:

Power supply;

Input unit, for generating input signal from outside stimulus;

Output device, for generating output signal;

Digital processing unit, for handling the input signal and being based at least partially on the processing to the input signal Command signal is delivered to the output device;And

Connect the circuit of the power supply, the input unit, the output device and the digital processing unit;

The wherein at least described power supply, the input unit, the output device, the digital processing unit and the circuit quilt It is arranged on substrate;And

Wherein arrangement protective layer at least cover the substrate, the power supply, the output device, the digital processing unit with And the circuit, to prevent the compound from it from going out to the tobacco-containing material or tobacco substitute material in the storage environment And allow to send the output signal;And

Wherein arrangement barrier layer is to cover the input unit, to prevent the compound from it from going out to the storage environment Interior tobacco-containing material or tobacco substitute material, the barrier layer are adapted to allow for the mutual of the input unit and the outside stimulus It acts on to generate the input signal,

The barrier layer includes at least one notch or opening.